Vesta Social Innovation Technologies

About

VESTA Social Innovation Technologies is changing the way individuals who have experienced sexual violence or harassment access justice. Vesta puts the survivor at the center of the investigative and legal process by providing equalized access to practical resources and by providing secure reporting options. Our first iteration, Vesta Community is a web and mobile-enabled platform that is digitizing, streamlining and expanding existing reporting protocols. Our goal is to create a bridge between vulnerable, rural populations and service providers and law enforcement. The ultimate outcome sought by Vesta Community is better and more comprehensive support of survivors and to increase reporting rates. Our mission is to create a safe, digital space ensuring individuals have agency, choice and equal treatment under the law. Future iterations include Workplace and Campus solutions.

Market Need

One in 4 women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. Of every 100 incidents of sexual assault, it is estimated that less than 6 are reported to the police. In Canada, 1 of 5 reported cases are dismissed as baseless and less than 25% of cases lead to conviction. This is not just a woman’s issue, as men are assaulted every day. One of the biggest issue for survivors of sexual assault is that there seem to be no consequences for their assailants; while they are not believed or shamed by others if they proceed to prosecution. Survivors are confused, ashamed and angry. Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor. Crisis centres are overwhelmed, institutions of higher learning, police departments and crown prosecutors are under extreme pressure to make changes. But, change is slow and resources are limited.

Milestones

Expand our network of legal and clinical subject matter experts

Target

Sexual Assault Survivors, Prosecutors, Higher Education Institutions

Founders

Lucrezia Spagnolo

CEO

Lucrezia Spagnolo

CEO

Prior to founding Vesta, Lucrezia was an executive in the financial services industry and former Ashoka Executive in Residence. In 2016, while several headline grabbing high profile sexual assault cases made their way through the courts, Lucrezia was dismayed to learn that the prevalence of sexual assault had not diminished since her days in university. In fact, the numbers are staggering and the issues faced by survivors overwhelming. So, in 2017, she founded Vesta to empower survivors and put them back in control of the reporting process. Lucrezia is a passionate advocate, and believes that by combining the power of storytelling, technology and community we can eliminate rape culture.